LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has introduced revised rules for pardoning prisoners, focusing on good character, hard work, education, and contributions like blood donation. These regulations aim to reward reformation and positive behavior among inmates.
Prisoners demonstrating good character after a year of hard labor will receive a 15-day sentence remission, with additional leniency granted for continued positive conduct over three years. Educational achievements, including Matric, Inter, BA, or MA degrees, can reduce sentences by six to ten months, while memorizing and translating the Quran may result in pardons of six months to two years. Skills training, such as electrician courses, also earns a one-month remission.
For blood donation, prisoners serving more than five years can donate blood up to four times, earning a 30-day reduction per donation. Amnesty is granted quarterly, with prompt notification and record-keeping ensured by jail authorities.
However, convicts involved in terrorism or anti-state activities are excluded from these benefits. Presidential pardons, under Article 45 of the Constitution, override all other amnesty provisions.
